Friday, September 02, 2005

Decision on Slurry Tanks Welcomed

SF and DUP have welcomed the decision by Lord Rooker to allow the construction of additional storage capacity not requiring planning permission. DUP MEP Jim Allister said: "the relaxation of the planning rules will save money, time and reduce paper work associated with the construction of larger tanks. I hope that the change to planning will encourage many other farmers to use the scheme available". SF MP MLA Michelle Gildernew hoped that "given the current severe financial hardship that many farmers are facing, this decision should help farmers clarify whether they will commit scarce resources to waste management." Ulster Unionist Agriculture spokesperson Tom Elliott has also welcomed Environment Minister Jeff Rooker’s decision to double the maximum ground area for slurry storage as it takes "full and proper account of the realistic concerns of the farming community".